davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1887-05-28
PROFESSOR AGASSIz.

Speaking of the old Fitchburg Railroad
station at North Cambridge, soon to be
demolished, Boston Gazette writer re-
lates that the late Professor Agassiz, once
being engaged to lecture at Concord,
went to this station with his wife. They
arrived just before the time for the train
to leave. All of sudden he turned to
his wife and exclaimed, why, Louisa,
have lost my portmonnaiep Why, how
could you be SO carelessS" was the reply.
Mr.. Murray, the station agent, saw the
dilemma and quietly remarked, "You
wish to go to Concord?" Yes, sir, but 1
have no money" "Here are two tickets"
Agassiz remarked, My friend, I shall
lecture in Concord tonight and I shall
have money and will pay you" The next
day Agassiz returned. He left the train
at North Cambridge, lighted his cigar
and was starting homeward when he sud-
denly turned to his wife and said, Lou
lisa, I must pay that gentleman" which
he did, saying, have money and I re-
pay you; also accept my great thanks"
The next week he strolled up to the sta.
ton and approaching Mr.. Murray, ex-
claimed, "My good friend, did not lose
my portmonnaie; left it on the table at
home. thought you would be pleased
to know"
The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1887-05-28
CASTLE DANGEROUS.

The latest and one of the poorest of
the novels of Sir Walter Scott, is founded
upon legend which is thus told by Mr..
Fraser in "The Douglas Book
"The story is told of wealthy heiress
OF noble English birth, beset with suitors,
assembling them all at festivity, and 3
minstrel having sung the deeds of the
redoubtable Douglas in his own lands
and the danger of holding such hazar-
dous but honorable post as Douglas
Castle, she openly declared her intention
to bestow her hand upon the knight who
should hold it for a year and day in the
interest of the King of England. OF all
the knights who surrounded the table
only one, Sir John de Wanton, was found
brave enough to accept the conditions.
His offers to hold the post we're accepted,
and he it was who at this time was in
command of Douglas Castle, with a
stronger garrison than any of his prede-
cessors.
Understanding that the castle was not
over well-stocked with supplies, Douglas
conceived strategem whereby he might
draw out the governor with his troops
into an ambush, and then overthrow them.
On the morning OF great fair day at
Lanark, after placing his men in ambush
at a convenient spot, he instructed
fourteen of them to fill sacks with grass,
throw them over the back of their horses,
and, concealing their armor under coun-
trymen's frocks, to drive their beasts past
the castle as if they we're traders on their
way to market. The passage of the large
cavalcade with provender so much needed
by the garrison was reported to Sir John
de Wanton, who at once ordered his men
to start in pursuit, and rode at their head.
They passed the smbuscade unheeded,
and drew near their supposed prize, when
suddenly the sacks were thrown away,
the rustic garments followed, and Doug
lass men leaping on their horses, the
English we're confronted with body of
well-armed and resolute warriors. Sir
John de Wanton at once attempted re-
treat to the castle, but only turned to find
himself beset on all sides, and in the
struggle which ensued the garrison was
overpowered, and nearly all slain, with
their commander. On his dead body, it
is said, was discovered letter from the
lady in the hope of whose hand and heart
he had accepted his fatal post. Douglas
next proceeded to the castle, which was
yielded up to him. On their surrender
he not only spared the lives of the Eng
lish soldiers who had remained therein
during the affray, but dismissed them
with marks of kindness to their own
country. On this occasion Douglas RACED
the castle to the ground"
The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1887-05-28
RAIN WATER.

1t might be supposed that rain water,
coming from the sky, would be perfectly
pure. Far from that. While the vapor
condenses into rain drops, small amounts
OF nitrite and nitrate OF ammonia are
formed and dissolved in the nascent drop;
the drop finds in the atmosphere oxygen,
nitrogen, carbonic acid, ozone, ammonia,
ready and eager to be dissolved; they are
all taken up, and with the drop begin
their journey earthward. While the drop
is falling, it attracts dust floating in the
air containing all the mineral elements
Of the earth's crust; especially salt, mag.
nesia, silica, lime, etc. They all dissolve
in it and travel do inward; nearer the sur
face coal and tar particles from smoke,
sulphur gases and effiuvia are gathered
and either dissolved or carried along me-
chemically, germs OF myriads of low or
ganisms constantly floating in the air are
harbored and sheltered; and by the time
the drop dashes into thousands of minute
particles against stone, it has become
microscopic ocean, containing all the ele-
ments of the earth's surface and the be-
ginning Of an active life.
Occasionally epidemic diseases seem
to have spread by clouds and the rain
from them. The best authenticated case
is that of plague epidemic in the fif-
teenth century which broke out most vic.
lently in Swiss town Immediately after
a cloud coming from an infected but dis
tant region discharged its rain upon that
town. Where people use cistern water
they have abundant opportunity to OBJ
serve the impurity of rain water.
After the rain water has struck the soil,
it hastens to enter it, but during the short
passage through the sod it takes up great
cargoes of impurities, the products of
rotten vegetable substances, and where
mand wells, OF human activity, shiftless-
ness and filth.-Prof Charles Mayr.
The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1887-05-28
JACKSONIAN SIMPLICITY.

President Jackson's table manners
we're as Democratic as could be desired.
He had at each plate two forks, one of
which was silver and the other of steel.
The President used steel fork himself,
and after his dinner he always smoked his
tobacco from along handled corncob pipe
Andrew Jackson entertained lavishly on
the night of his first Inauguration. The
carpets of the East room were ruined by
the orange purch and lemonade which
were served to the crowd which came to
his reception. Barrels Of this punch
we're made and it was brought into the
rooms in buckets. At last the people be-
gan to rush for the walters as soon as they
entered the room. Glasses were broken
and ladies' dresses ruined. Tubs of punch
were finally taken into the garden, and
in this way the throng was drawn off, and
it was possible to serve cake and wine to
the ladies. At Jackson's farewell recep-
ton monster cheese, as big as hogs
head in circumference and nearly yard
thick was cut with saw blades made into
and served out to the guests. The event
was the talk of the nation, and when Van
Buren, became President his New York
friends, cumulative OF Jackson, sent him
big cheese. 1t was put up in the East
room. The greasy crumbs falling upon
the carpet were trampled into it, and the
ruination of the furniture during these
two administrations led the later Presi-
dents to discontinue the practice of serv-
ing eatables at general receptions. Now
no guest comes to dinner at the White
House unless invited. In Van Buren's
day Bacourt, in his Souvenirs dun Dip
lomat," says that the Presidents cook
told his valet that for several months pre-
ceding the election of 1910 many persons
arrived at the White House for breakfast
or dinner, and threatened to vote against
Van Buren, if they we're not entertained.
The cook stated that he had all the trouble
possible in satisfying them, and they often
returned what he sent up, doing SO on a
pretext that it was UNBEATABLE, and ordered
something else.
The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1887-05-28
WOMEN WHO ARE FITTED TO
SHINE.

Why is it that SO many women of social
cultivation are unhappy in their married
life, and Disconnected with their hus-
bands? asks the New York Sun. Is it
not because the pursuits and occupations
of husbands are apt to unfit them to
share the tastes and pleasures of wives
who have the ambition and the leisure to
perfect themselves in the graces and &C.
compliments of our elegant society?
AS many foreigner OF cultivation has
observed, and as everybody familiar with
our social life must be aware, the women
here are generally superior to the men in
polish, nicely of adaptation to their sur
roundings, and even in education, espe-
cially 80 far as concerns the more refined
tastes in art or literature. This is because
the women have so much more time and so
many more opportunities to acquire what
Is requisite to cultivation and refinement.
The husband must rush down town early
in the morning and spend his day in the
rough and ready contest for money, while
the wife remains at home, with ample
leisure to expend the money he wins for
her use in gratifying her desire for solid
or superficial accomplishment, and social
pleasure and experience. OF course he
is likely to fall behind her in such Guilt
walton, and the longer he delves and she
profits by the opportunities his wealth
secures for her, the greater the gulf be-
tween them in that respect. She is an
elegant woman of society, and he only
Woodworking man of business, whose
daily toll leaves its mark on his mind and
his manners. Society is the sphere in
which such woman would shine. Her
only chance for a brilliant career is there,
and the influence which drives a man to
seek fame in politics or affairs is in her !
The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1887-05-28
asarttr, fbnnre, and Garden.

Washing the hands twice a day with
corn meal, and rubbing on a little gly-
cerine at night will keep them soft and
white.
To remove grease from coat collars
and the glossy look from the elbows and
ANS, rub with cloth dipped in ammo
MIA.
As regards hanging pictures, no pre-.
else rule can be given without knowing
all the conditions, but in general way it
Is safe to advise that pictures be hung so
that the most prominent object, or at
least the lower half, will be opposite the
eye, where the whole can be easily view
ed without lifting or bending the head.
In exhibitions where two or three rows
OF pictures must be hung to have space
for all, naturally the best are hung on
this line, and those of less consideration
in the rank above or below it.
The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1887-05-28
NO SEX IN INDUSTRY.

The most original and beautiful piece
of wood carving yet done in America has
been accomplished by young WOMAN
who, travelling in Switzerland with her
father, persuaded him to give her the
opportunity to learn the rudiments of
the art. Determination to excel, the fine
conscience Of the artist, and endless prac-
tice, have developed genius. Some
years ago New Jersey girl OF sixteen
proposed to go into her fathers shop to
help him through period Of debt and
Encouragement. His business was MAX
ing spindles and fiers. "He told me-"
said her biographer, "that in twelve
months she could do more work, and do
it better, than any man he ever trained
in eighteen months" Her father died.
Her two Oldest brothers learned the trade
from her and went away. Two younger
sisters and brother fourteen years of
age all worked under her, turning, polish
ing, filing and fitting all kinds of ma
chinery. When last saw her she was
making water-rams to force streams into
barns and houses. She also turns out
many kinds of carriage axles. She is her
own drsughtsman, and occasionally does
her own forging. She understands every
part Of her steam engine, and her work
prospers because she loves it and does it
thoroughly we'll. This young maehinist
would have had no chance at all had not
her wise father perceived that hands were
OF no sex.-Harper's Bazaar.
The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1887-05-28

an ambition for power and consequence
in the social world. But when she seeks
to crafty it, she may find that her purpose
is baked because her work-a-day hus-
band has exhausted his energy before the
hour of her activity comes. He is tired
out at the end of the day, and not until
the day is over does the great business
OF social pleasure begin. With us, too,
men are apt to have satisfied their desire
for such occupations at period of life
when social excitement may be most
attractive to women. Is it surprising,
then, that conjugal discords occur in
a social sphere where the men are ab-
sorbed in work and roughened by affairs,
while the women have acquired the tastes
and aptitudes of an elegant leisure?
The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1887-05-28

The eclipse of the sun August 10, of
this year will be observed by various ex-
petitions. 1t is particularly valuable as
being visible across an accessible belt
of country. Berlin, Germany, is quite in
the track, and thence east across Russian
territory. The expeditions are not as
yet fully decided upon. Prof. Young of
Princeton, will certainly lead one from
this country. Numerous plans are pro-
jected by Russian astronomers. One
party has been located at Tver and anoth-
er at Kostroma. The hour OF the eclipse
is P. NJ, and the region where totality
will be seen is the country west of Bailka
thickly settled and accessible by railways.
France and Germany have Just pub
lshed their respective census returns.
The results show astonishing falling off
IN the rate of increase. In the case of
France there threatens to be stop al
together, while some departments show
already an actual decrease. During five
years there has been an increase of only
2l3,S57 on total of 37,S85,9O5, or rate
OF only i per cent per annum. In Ger
many, also, there is marked decrease.
During the five years 'sOIS5, the increase
has been but 1,610,865 on 45, 4,O61. This
represents but rs per cent annual in
crease, as compared with LA per cent
annual increase for the previous half de-
cade.
The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1887-05-28
DEFENSIVE ARMOR AT THE
NORMAN CONQUEST.

The principal garment worn in battle at
this time by both Normans and English
men who were rich or powerful for the or
binary people fought in their every day
clothes) was 80 shaped as to cover the
arms to the elbow, and the legs TO the
knee. 1t was made of leather or strong
cloth, on which were sewed email
plates or rings OF metal. 1t was prob
ably also wadded as an additional protec-
ton. Sometimes, instead OF the plates
or rings, trellis-work of leather was
made and strengthened with studs. The
garment had square opening In the
breast to enable the owner to struggle into
it, first his legs, and then one arm, then
the other. When he was in, flap was
buckled or buttoned across the opening.
A hood OF the same material as this body
garment, covered the head and shoulders.
On top of the hood was placed helmet
of iron and bronze, conical or nearly 30
in shape, and fitting round the head like
hat. A piece of iron came down from
the rim in front, protecting the nose, and
partially masking the face. There was
sometimes similar piece to cover the
back of the head and the nape OF the
neck. These helmets must have been
both heavy and uncomfortable, as the
whole weight rested on the head, and a
perfect fit must have been difficult to OBJ
tain. William and one or two of his
greatest mobiles wore hose protected by
plates or rings like their coats, but most
men, noble and simple, relied in battle on
an elaborate arrangement of straps reach
ing from the knee to the ankle, and recall
ing that worn to-day by the peasants of
the Roman Campagna. On their left
arms the warriors carried almond shaped
shields, three or four feet long. For these
the English sometimes substituted round
or oval shields. The shield was probably
made OF wood, covered with leather, and
having border of metal and projection
or boss Of metal in the widest part. The
studs which held the straps by which the
shield was carried also appeared on the
outside. The surface, slightly curved
and generally of one plain color with a
border, was sometimes decorated with
color lines, cross or the figure of drag
on. Armorial bearings did not appear on
shields until later date. : Edaoin j.
LoaoeU, IN Scribner's Magazine.
The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1887-05-28
WINDOW BOXES.

Window boxes for growing flowers are
becoming yearly more popular, especially
In crowded districts where there is no
place for flower beds. Not alone in these
places are they. however, beginning to
be seen and used for this branch of win
dow gardening, but for the decoration of
the spacious mansion they are also well
adapted, and fill place in the floral dec
Grafton Of the house as nothing else can.
On the upper stories this branch of gar
dening can be carried on as successfully
as In the basement of the building, A
love for the beautiful as exhibited in the
culture OF flowers is not confined to those
having ample means and plenty of room
for carry ing out their desires in the way
OF large flower beds in summer and
greenhouses in winter, but the occupant
OF the garret-rooms, with no other means
OF cultivating few plants but small,
dlngy window, may also possess a true
love for Dame Flora, and one of the best
means by which person SO situated can
satisfy his desires in this respect is by the
use Of window box.
The most suitable soil for filling the
box is what can be obtained from mix
ture of rotton sod and manure, the ma
nure should be sufficiently decayed SO
that it can mix with the soil freely. Place
over the bottom pieces of charcoal
broken crockery-ware, or similar mate
rial for drainage, then fill up with soil,
and it is ready for seeds or plants. A
leading feature to be observed in filling
window boxes is to have sufficient guam
tlty OF good, snowy, healthy growing
vines, without which window box is a
rather tame looking object. There are
some vines which are strong growing,
and make rapid growth, when allowed 4
support, but are comparatively useless
when allowed to droop over the edge of
box. This class of them should be
carefully avoided and such kinds chosen
as grow we'll in dropping form. Some
OF the best for this purpose are here no.
ticed.- Vick's Magazine for May.
The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1887-05-28
Ehe 4tone Circle.
SOMEHOW OR OTHER.

The good wife hustled about the house,
Her face still bright with pleasant smile,
As broken snatches of happy song
Strengthened her heart and hand the while.
The good man sat in the chimney-Hook,
His little clay pipe within his lips,
And all he'd made, and all he'd lost,
Ready and clear on his flnger-tips.
"Good wife, I've just been thinking bit;
Nothing has done very well this year;
Money is bound to be hard to get;
Everything's bound to be very dear;
How the cattle are going to be fed,
How we're to keep the. boys at school,
Is kind of debit and credit sum
1 can't make balance by any rule"
She turned her round from the baking bread
And she faced him with a cheerful laugh;
"why. husband, dear, one would think
That the good rich wheat was only chaff.
And what if the wheat was only chaff,
As long as we both are well and strong?
I'm not a woman to worry Bit
Somehow or other we get along.
Into some lives some rain must fall,
Over all lands the storm must beat;
But when therain and storm are DER,
The after sunshine is twice as sweet.
Through every strait we have found road,
In every grief we've found a song;
We've had to bear, and had to wait,-
But somehow or other we get along.
'For thirty years we have loved each other,
Stood by each other whatever befell;
Six boys have called us father and mother,
And all of them living and doing well.
We owe no man a penny, my dear,
We're both of us loving, well, and strong:
Good man. wish you would smoke again,
And think how well we've got along"
He filled his pipe with pleasant laugh;
He kissed his wife with a tender pride;
He said, "I'll do as you tell me, love;
I'll just count up on the other side.''
She left him then with his better thought,
And lifted her work with a low, sweet song
song that followed me many year;
Somehow or other we get along"
The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1887-05-28
SWEEPING AWAY THE SUN
SHINE.

Our little daughter considered herself
in captivity when informed her that she
must not go out on the damp ground, al
though the sky was SO beautifully bright.
1t had rained hard the previous day.
When l saw the look of esgerness with
which she watched the sunshine, told
her she might remain on the piazza awhile
in the sunlight. She ran up and down
continuously until the servant came to
sweep. She swept few strokes, when
her shadow fell across the bright places.
The little one exclaimed in distressed
tones: "Oh, don't sweep away my sun
sinner
1 heard her, and was struck with the
idea, SO original, so forcible. 1 thought
how many there are who do sweep away
the sunshine.
The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1887-05-28

God made both tears and laughter, and
both for kind purposes; for as laughter en-
ables mirth and surprise to breathe freely, so
tears enable sorrow to vent itself patiently.
Tears hinder sorrow from becoming despair
and madness; and laughter is one of the very
privileges of reason, being confined to the
human species.-Leigh Hunt.
The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1887-05-28

CONCLUDED NEXT WEEK.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1887-10-20
ALL AROUND.

How can one man know what you
want unless you ask for it, or what
you have to sell unless you advertise
it.
Manhattan proposes to bore for
coal, gas or salt, and designs going
down into the bowels of the earth
1 800 or 1900 feet. A meeting has
been held and company formed.
Acknowledgement Hogg, of Texas,
has decided that foreign corporations
cannot do business in that state.
This may seem a hoggish decision
but it is right. America for Amer
icians is right thus far, that those who
have no intention of becoming citi-
zens shall not be protected by our
laws while they grow rich off our
people.
1t is reported in military circles in
Chicago that the United States troops
who have been attending the encamp-
ment near there will be held in that
city until after tina anarchists are
hanged. The force consists of bat
terry from Fort Smelling, a company of
cavalry from Fort Leavenworth, and
three companies of the 23d U. S. in
fantry
The following from an exchange is
as true as holy writ: GAS rule the
very rich men are not those who
build up a community and create
booms. A single business man full OF
life and snap and enterprise, who is
not afraid to talk, and talks sense.
and knows how to advertise, is worth
any dozen rich men, who usually take
advantage OF other peoples booming
to increase the ir own values"
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1887-10-20
BOYS Idea of a Thunder Storm.

A little boy about four years old i,
living in a New Jersey town, rau to the
window one evening lately during a
heavy thunderstorm. As he looked
out, long, glittering lines of forked,
zigzag lightning ran across the black
sky, then came broad flash, lighting
up all the west and northwest. ooh,
Mamma! Mammal" sobed the little fell
ow. Goods house is all on firel Will
He burn up in it,"
A few moments after, hearing the
rain pouring in torrents, he ran to her
crying exultantly: "Mamma! mamma,
Ged has turned on His hose. Now
Has house won't burn up" -Hafper's
Magazine